Spain Coach Vicente del Bosque is confident Sergio Ramos will be fit to play against France tomorrow.
The defender was taken off with 20 minutes of Friday's victory over Belarus remaining and sat out a subsequent training session with a muscular problem.
“He said he's better,” Del Bosque began at the pre-match press conference. “We're confident he can play tomorrow but if not we won't force him, we'll play someone else.
“We are all motivated against an opponent with a great past and a great future. This is almost like a cup tie, the double confrontation with France is vital.
“France have made substantial changes under Didier Deschamps, especially in central midfield. Now they have a different tone. They are at the beginning of a new era.”
The Salamanca native then discussed what he believes are the keys to La Roja's recent success, and praised France and Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema.
“We have followed a path marked long ago. It is also thanks to the clubs and the Federation, who opted for this formula in the youth ranks. The country now has better coaches and better structure, and we had a little luck in the three tournaments we won.
“Benzema is one of the greatest strikers in the world. He glides well along the wings, and has very good technique. Like all goal scorers he has lapses to his game, but that happens to forwards, they are a bit intermittent.”
